Theses and dissertations (Master and Doctoral)

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Browsing Theses and dissertations (Master and Doctoral) by Author "Adriana Jacoba Lena Bergman"

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    Experiences of Attending Maternal Health Education Sessions Among Women From the Islands of Lake Kivu, Rusizi District, Rwanda; a Qualitative Research
    (2024-04-12) Adriana Jacoba Lena Bergman
    Background The maternal mortality ratio in Rwanda remains high at 245 (2017) deaths per 100,000 live births (WHO, 2019). Besides improving maternal health, women’s positive experiences during ANC and childbirth can create the foundation for healthy motherhood (WHO, 2016). Maternal health education is an useful intervention to promote health care, birth preparedness and reduce the maternal mortality rate. The purpose of this study is to identify the gaps and contribute to improving maternal health education to improve maternal health and positive experiences of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal period. Research Methodology Qualitative phenomenological research has been conducted to investigate the experiences of maternal health education sessions among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from the islands of Gihaya, Nkombo, and Ishywa, Rusizi-district, Rwanda. Primary data has been collected through face-to-face verbal semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim in English. The data was analyzed by open coding, axial coding, and selected coding. Results and findings The experiences are multidimensional and interlinked. From the data analysis, three main themes came up, which have been used to identify the women's experiences. The first theme is: 1. My life has improved. This theme shows the personal change and narratives of the participants. The second theme: 2. happiness and joy, whereby the participants describe their feelings. The third theme: 3. expectations, needs, and improvement, whereby the participants describe their expectations, needs, and improvement toward maternal health education. Conclusion Based on qualitative analysis of the data collected in the research area it can be concluded that the experiences of women on the islands of Gihaya, Nkombo, and Ishywa were mainly positive. Suggesting that maternal health education sessions contributed to a positive experience in pregnancy.